What digit in a VIN number is the year?
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a unique identifier assigned to every motor vehicle, motorcycle, and heavy equipment in the world. It is a 17-character code that provides a wealth of information about the vehicle, including its make, model, year of manufacture, and more. One of the most crucial pieces of information encoded in the VIN is the year of the vehicle. But what digit in a VIN number is the year?
The year of manufacture is encoded in the 10th digit of the VIN. This digit is known as the “Model Year Identifier” and represents the year in which the vehicle was manufactured. The first digit of the VIN, known as the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), indicates the country of origin and the manufacturer. The second digit, the Vehicle Manufacturer Identifier (VMI), identifies the specific manufacturer. The third digit is the vehicle type, and the fourth digit is the body style.
The 10th digit, which is the focus of this article, is divided into two parts. The first half, from the 10th to the 12th digit, is known as the Vehicle Description Section (VDS). This section contains information about the vehicle’s make, model, body style, engine type, and transmission type. The second half, from the 13th to the 17th digit, is the Vehicle Identification Section (VIS), which includes the check digit, the model year, and the serial number.
To determine the year of the vehicle, you need to look at the 10th digit. The first digit of the 10th digit represents the decade, while the second digit represents the year within that decade. For example, if the 10th digit is “1,” it means the vehicle was manufactured in the 1980s. If the 10th digit is “2,” it means the vehicle was manufactured in the 1990s. This pattern continues until the 21st century, with the first digit representing the decade and the second digit representing the year within that decade.
Understanding which digit in a VIN number is the year can be extremely helpful for various reasons. For instance, if you are purchasing a used vehicle, knowing the year of manufacture can help you assess its age and potential value. Additionally, this information is essential for warranty claims, vehicle registration, and insurance purposes.
In conclusion, the year of manufacture is encoded in the 10th digit of the VIN number. This digit is crucial for determining the vehicle’s age, value, and other important details. By understanding the VIN’s structure and the significance of each digit, you can better navigate the world of motor vehicles and make informed decisions.
